The Duel

From across the dark veiled hills , A howl of anguish fills the soul with chills, We hear it coming amidst the shadows, And smell its malelovant purpose distinctly. Ever closer it creeps and snarls, Foul breath filling senses and fears, Bringing eyes close to our deepest thoughts, Unseen forms as wraiths in the night. With weapons to hand , Tentative moves, towards the unknown, Ready to meet head on the fear and doubt. The battle was fierce between the two, A fight of will and inward strength, First one would prevail then the other, A battle that must be won to remain sane. Weapons of the light sliced and cut, Gaining the ground darkness began to wain, A last howl of anguish from its slobbering jaws, And it was gone back to where its soul has lain, Hidden and disguised ready to pounce. A defeat for now sanity prevails, Walking again down the sweetest trails, Always on guard keeping watch and alert, Dark dogs defeated for now, Listen out for that anguished howl. © andrew p mcintyre 2/5/2017.